Motshekga commends swift arrest of suspected Bulwer rapist
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga wants swift action to be taken against the 17-year-old teenager accused of raping a primary schoolgirl in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
It's understood the 12-year-old Grade 7 pupil was turned back at her Bulwer school's COVID-19 screening point because she'd forgotten her mask at home.
The child is said to have told the principal that she was raped when she returned to school.
The suspect was arrested on Monday and is due in court soon.
The minister's spokesperson, Terence Khala says the incident shines a light on the scourge of gender-based violence.
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"The minister has called for an end to gender-based violence. The minister commends the swift actions that have been taken by the SAPS in apprehending a 17-year-old suspect and the seriousness with the seriousness in which they have been handling this case."
"The Department will continue to ensure that the leaner who is a minor receives the necessary psycho-social support from the District Auxiliary Support Services and her identity is protected as she comes to terms with this painful and regrettable ordeal," says Khala.
